88 



Wenk, Executive Secretary of the National Council on Marine Ke- 

 sources and Engineering Development, and, of course, oJfRcials of the 

 Department of State. 



Despite the necessary limitations on the time available to Admiral 

 Waters, I hope we will be able to receive his general statement and all 

 members will have an opportunity to question him, although perhaps 

 not at the length that some of us might like to. 



I might acid if that develops, I am sure that Admiral Waters will 

 find a way to cooperate with us at some future date to continue the 

 consideration of his statement and the testimony he may give. 



I wrote Dr. Wenk a letter on September 15 as a result of his testi- 

 mony here on August 17. He has responded to this letter. In the interest 

 of time, I will not read it until we move into executive session. If we 

 have time. Admiral, I will put it in the record immediately following 

 your statement. 



If you will proceed, please, sir. 



STATEMENT OF EEAE ADM. ODALE D. WATERS, JR., OCEAN- 

 OGRAPHER or THE NAVY ; ACCOMPANIED BY CAPT. J. E. SNYDER, 

 U.S. NAVY, SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY 

 OF THE NAVY FOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, AND CAPT. 

 T. K. TREADWELL, U.S. NAVY, SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE 

 OCEANOGRAPHER OF THE NAVY 



Admiral Waters. Thank you, Mr, Chairman. 



Mr. Chairman and members of the House Merchant Marine and 

 Fisheries Committee, this is my first opportunity to appear before 

 you and discuss the Navy's contribution to the national marine science 

 program, an opportunity which I appreciate very much. I have fol- 

 lowed your activities with great interest in the past, for the role you 

 have played in developing that national program is impressive. This 

 series of hearings is further focusing attention on the area's many 

 complex problems, and will be of service to all concerned. 



In an age in which the impact of science and technology daily as- 

 sumes greater importance, few areas of scientific and technological 

 endeavor so stimulate man's imagination, whet scientists' curiosity, or 

 hold such promise for all mankind as does oceanography. Almost every 

 discovery in the realm of ocean science and technology has a useful ap- 

 plication, and may directly and significantly affect our Nation's politi- 

 cal, economic, and military posture. 



Recent studies by groups under the President's Science Advisory 

 Committee and the National Academy of Sciences have confirmed the 

 need, long recognized by the members of this committee, for better 

 understanding and utilization of the seas that surround us. Your 

 Marine Resources and Engineering Development Act of 1966 (Public 

 Law 89-454), which established a Cabinet-level Council and a major 

 Commission to advise and assist the President in implementing na- 

 tional marine science policy, was a milestone in the national policy for 

 exploiting the oceans. As you heard from Dr. Wenk, the Council is 

 now deeply involved in its investigation of the enormous problems 

 associated with the development of a truly effective national program. 

 The Navy has given strong support to the development of the program 

 from the outset, and will continue to cooperate wdth other Govern- 



